Problem With Ems Usb2 + Madcatz Beat Pad

tomich · Basic Member Joined: 09 Nov 2003

I think I found my problem with the EMS USB 2.

I have two MadCatz Beat Pads, one bought a month ago and one bought recently. The older one is recognized by the EMS USB2, the newer one is not.

After replacing the newer pad that wouldn't work TWICE, I noticed the difference between the two pads: the connector plug. The slightly older MadCatz Beat Pad that works has 3503GOA stamped on the black connector plug. The plug on the newest one which does not work is grey instead of black, smaller, and has a 2903HTC stamped on it.

The other physical differences are:

1) The metal contact on the older 3503GOA plug is level with the plastic on the plug, while the metal contact on the 2903HTC plug is slightly recessed.

2) The exposed area of the metal contact on the older 3503GOA plug is about 20% larger than the metal contact on the 2903HTC plug. Judging from the slight marks left by the EMS USB2 on the plastic near the metal contact on the 2903HTC plug, this controller is not being recognized because of the smaller size of the contact (which then prevents conduction by the EMS USB2 with the recessed contact on the plug.)

I am not wholly placing blame for this on MadCatz, as the newer MadCatz pad works fine with a parallel port converter. It just does not work with the EMS USB2.

I have written the manufactures of both the EMS USB2 and the Madcatz Beat Pad and alerted them of the problem. Meanwhile, if you have an EMS USB2 and are shopping for a MadCatz Beat Pad, open the box and make sure that the plug does not say 2903HTC.

I didn't want everybody else to waste the number of hours I have on this problem.

I'll keep the forum updated via this thread.

tomich · Basic Member Joined: 09 Nov 2003

I talked to both EMS and MadCatz.

EMS was quick to respond and said, "We are sorry to say that we only guarantee that the USB2 works with the original Sony PS controllers."

Meanwhile, I called the MadCatz support line and they said that they could
only vouch for their pad working on a Sony Playstation. They weren't friendly when I attempted to explain that regardless, users of the EMS
USB2 are customers that would otherwise buy their pads, and now
unfortunately I cannot (and after the tone of their customer service
people, will not) and was attempting to alert them of a problem they may
encounter from others. The newer plugs that do not work with the EMS USB2 are obviously cheaper as well, as the contact is smaller and the pins are uneven.

I'll be taking both mine back tonight for a refund.

TedHead · Basic Member Joined: 20 Sep 2003

AUUGH! I waited months and months for my EMS converter to arrive, it FINALLY comes today, and it won't work with my dance pads as I see this!!!

Auuugh I'm so angry, first the long shipping, now this, I was so pumped...

Is there anything you can do to change the Dance Pad plug so the metal connector will be recognized?